Air-conditioning unit



Aug. 3, 1948. H. c. DEARBORN AIR CONDITIONING UNIT 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Aug. 20, 1945 r www www y Aug- 3, 1948. H. c. DEARBORN 2,446,411

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nena a, 194e UNITED 4STATES PATENT OFFICE Ara-coNDmcNmc UNIT Henry Currey Dearborn, Norman, Okla. Application August zo, 1945, serial No. 611,625 s claims. (ci. ca -131) This invention relates to air conditioning apparatus and more particularly to a device for cooling, dehumidifying and circulating the air in a space.

Many of the conventional types of apparatus for cooling and dehumidifying air employ refrigerating means for the cooling phase and heating meansfor the dehumidifying phase and the resultant apparatus is not only initially relatively expensive but requires-considerable maintenance.

It is the primary object of my invention to provide a device which does not use refrigerant or heating coils but takes advantage of the natural characteristics of air which has been compressed and then permitted to expand.

Another object is to provide an apparatus including a relatively simple pumping unit for withdrawing the warm, humid air from a room or other space, for compressing the same and then permitting its expansion whereby dehumidification and cooling occurs.

Another object is to provide an apparatus as aforesaid in which the warm and humid air, after being compressed, is permitted to circulate through a radiator whereby the air is partially cooled.

A further object is the utilization of the partially cooled air to perform useful work against the pumping elements and thereby result in lowered pumping load and increased elciency of the unit as a whole.

Yet another object is to include in an apparatus as aforesaid means for automatic disposal of the water resulting from the dehumidifying phase.

A further object is to provide in an apparatus as aforesaid an auxiliary air compressor, the diS- charge from which is used in an injector device for accelerating the velocity of the air passing from the pumping unit to the radiator and to accelerate the movement of the air leaving the radiator and returning to the pumping unit.

Another object is to provide, in connection with the auxiliary air compressor aforesaid, means for cooling the air discharged therefrom in order that this air when combined with the main body of conditioned air returning to the pump is not raised in temperature.

Another object is to provide an air conditioning unit characterized by relatively few and simple working parts in order that maintenance and repair costs may be reduced to a negligible degree.

Another object is to provide a pumping unit which shall be compact, substantially self-contained and readily portable.

An additionalobject resides in the reversible nature of the device whereby upon simple repositioning of parts thereof the same may be used for heating the space by withdrawing cold air from the outside atmosphere, compressing the same suiliciently to cause it to flow through the radiator as hot air, the cold air in the space being circulated through the .radiator to take up heat therefrom.

Still another object is to provide, in an alternate form of the apparatus, driving means including a differential gearing mechanism whereby the speed of the auxiliary compressor is rendered variable depending upon the demand placed thereon by the pump.

Other and further objects will become apparent as the description proceeds.

In carrying out my invention in one form I provide a diaphragm type of Amultiple pump adapted to draw air from the space to be conditioned through. a filter and, after compression thereof, to deliver the air to a radiator. An electric motor drives the pump which motor also drives a fan for forced circulation of the air through the radiator for cooling thereof. After being cooled in the radiator the air is circulated through a return line back to the pump where it is delivered to the opposite side of the diaphragms in order to reduce the power required for driving the pump. After undergoing expansion, in doing the additional useful work in the pump, the now thoroughly cooled air is returned to the space being conditioned and preferably through a silencing maze. For disposing of the accumulated water of condensation resulting from the dehumidication 0f the air upon its expansion in the radiator there is provided a neat-controlled valve discharging to a sewer. Additionally I may provide an auxiliary air compressor, driven by the motor aforesaid,

and arranged to deliver compressed air through nozzles directed downstream in the main delivery conduit from the pump and in the main return conduit thereto whereby to accelerate the flow of air throughboth conduits. A cooling coil is incorporated in the discharge pipe leading from the air compressor to the main air return ccnduit.

One preferred form of the invention is shown in the appended drawings, in which- Figs. 1a and 1b, comprising one view but broken as indicated because of limitation of sheet size,

show the entire unit principally in medial longitudinal cross section; and

Fig. 2 is a somewhat schematic plan view showing an alternate embodiment of the unit, including differential gearing-whereby the speed of the air compressor may be varied depending upon the load to which the system is subjected.

Referring to Figs. 1a and 1b, I provide an electric motor I having shaft extensions II and I2 at each end thereof. Theiorwardly directed extension Il has afllxed thereto by means of a set screw I3 the combined fan` and pulley i4. The fan portion includes a plurality of blades I5 of conventional style and the pulley I6 is of the common V-grooved type adapted to drive another V-groove-d pulley II through the medium of the belt I8. l

The rear housing 2| of themotor I0 serving to support the motor proper is formed as part of the main frame 22, the latter including a hollow, enclosed, substantially rectangular base portion having side walls 23 and 24 and end walls 25 and 26 defining a chamber .21. There is provided a main base plate 3| for carrying the entire lunit and to which the frame 22 is fastened by means of cap screws 32 passing through ears J ournaled in the housing 2| and in the central and end portions 34 and 35, respectively, of the framework 22 is the crank shaft 40 including the extension I2 of the motor shaft, intermediate bearing section 4| and terminal stub shaft 42, the crank shaft being arranged to rotate in bushings 43 and 44 pressed into the housing 2| and frame portions 34 and 35. :The crank shaft 40 includes the four crank pins 45. one individual to each of the pumps 50. the pins 45 being arranged in two pairs spaced 180 apart about the crank shaft. Pivotally connected to the crank pins 45 are vthe connecting rods 46, four in number, each including the usual bolted cap to retain the rods with respect to the crank pins 45. Each connecting rod 46 is provided with a concentric flange 5| and a threaded end portion 52 over which is received the backing washer 53, the flexible corrugated diaphragm 54, the clamping washer 55 and the clamping nut 56.

The diaphragms 54 are preferably circular in form and may be of rubber or of canvas impregnated with varnish, plastic composition, or similar material for long wear. They are retained at the margin 6| thereof by being clamped between an annular smooth surface 62 of the framework 22 and the pump housings 63, the plurality of cap screws 64 being utilized to force the housing 63 against the diaphragm 54.

Each housing 63 is provided with a side inlet port 7| and a central outlet port 69. Associated with the inlet port II is the poppet type valve 'I2 including a compression spring 'I3 and spring retaining washer 14, the valve being guided by and reciprocable in an aperture I0 of the bracket 16 integral with the housing 63. The discharge port 69 opens into a chamber I6 formed as a part of the housing 63, and threadedly inserted through one wall of the chamber 'I6 is the valve guide 'll in which is adapted to reciprocate the poppet-type valve 'I8 provided with the usual compression spring '|9. The upper housings 63 are also provided with an inclined ilanged nozzle 3| interconnected by means of the flanged conduit 02 to a corresponding nozzle of the adjacent housing 63, cap screws 63. together with gaskets (not shown) being utilized to yield a tight joint at each junction. The lower housings 63 are provided with similar nozzles 0| interconnected similarly to the two housings at the top of the pump by means of a conduit 34.

A side outlet of the two left-hand chambers 16 are connected together and to the radiator 96 by means of the main air delivery conduit 9| and the branch air delivery conduit 92, gaskets (notV shown) and cap screws being availed of to complete the flanged joints for the conduits 9| and 92. The main conduit 9| is welded or otherwise attached to a ilange 94 fastened to the wall 95 of the radiator 96. Y

The radiator 96 may be of the conventional iin and tube type schematically represented for clarity by means of a dot and dash line and by a few sections at S8, it being understood that the fins and the tubes (not shown) are continuous over the entire extent of the radiator 96 and are of suillcient area to effect the proper heat exchange between the air circulated outside of the radiator and the warm air circulated therethrough.

The ns and tubes 98 are disposed on both sides of a partition diagrammatically indicated by the dot and dash line |0I. `Thus warm air entering the radiator through the conduit 9|, aperture 91 and manifold 99 is forced downwardly through the tubes in the right-hand portion of the radiator 96 into the lower manifold |02 and then upwardly on the left-hand side of the partition |0| into the upper manifold |03 from whence it passes through the aperture |04 into the main air return conduit I 05.

The conduit |05 passes through a rubber sealing grommet I 06 inserted through an aperture |01 in the wall I 06 forming part of the two upper housings 63 and is connected by means of cap screws |09 and a gasket (not shown) to the nozzle I I2 extending upwardly from the central portion 34 of the frame.

The central frame portion 34 includes a chamber I I3 interconnecting by means of the ports |I4 with the two spaces intermediate each pair of diaphragms 54, the said space being otherwise closed by appropriate walls constituted as part of the main frame and by horizontal partitions |20 intermediate the central shaft housing |2| and the walls 23 and 24. Supported by ribs extending radially from the wall of each port |I4 is the guide II5 in which the poppet-type valves ||6 are adapted to reciprocate, these including the usual compression spring I I'I, retaining washer I I0 and a bifurcated end I9 in which the cam following roller |22 is adapted to rotate. Corresponding to the upper palrof valves ||6 is a similar lower pair I I6a adapted to open and close ports |I4a and supported on guides Ilia. Springs Illa and retaining washers I I 6a are provided together with the bifurcated ends |I9a and cam rollers |22a corresponding to similar parts associated with the upper valves I I6.

Formed on the outer face of the crank throws |3| and I3|a are the cams |32, |32a, |33 and I 33a, each pair being spaced 180 apart and for a purpose to be described.

The chamber |I3 interconnects with the ports |I4a and with a nozzle |4| to which is connected by means of a gasket (not shown) and the cap screws |42 the cooled air supply conduit |43. The latter continues (Fig. 1b) to connect with a nozzle |44 forming part of the rectangular casing |45 attached by means of screws |46 to a bracket plate |40 forming part of the main frame 22.

The casing |45 is adapted to support therein est possible extent. Delivery of the cooled air to the room is through the opening |40.

The framework 22 includes also an upper right hand wall portion which, together with the walls 23, 24 and |08, carries a iiange |52 supporting the air lter unit |53. The latter is of the conventional type having a perforated sheet metal frame enclosing glass wool or similar ibers saturated with a viscous fluid or the like to trap foreign particles.

A bellows or similar type of seal |30 is interposed between the extreme left hand crank throw |3| and the housing 2| to prevent leakage of air past the left hand bushing 43.

Although the principal embodiment herein described and illustrated includes four .pumping units, it will be comprehended that a greater plurality or even a single pump may be employed.

Mounted on the base plate 3| is the auxiliary air compressor |6| attached thereto by means of cap screws |62 passing through the ears |63 formed as part of the compressor housing |64. The compressor is of the conventional type including a pair of cylinders |65, a pair of pistons |66, connecting rods |61 and crank shaft |68, to one outboard end of which the pulley l1 hereinbefore referred to is aflixed by means of the set screws |69. There are also provided the usual inlet valves |1| and exhaust valves |12, the inlet ports abeing designated at |13 and the exhaust ports at |14 and |15.

Connected to the port |14 is ythe conduit |16 which extends upwardly through a threaded bushing |11 inserted in a flange |18 extending from the wall of the main delivery conduit 9|, Within the conduit 9| the conduit |16 is bent into a right angle and terminates in a tapered nozzle |19 directed downstream. The port |15 connects `to a conduit |8| which has the helical coil |82 formed therein and continues through a threaded bushing |03 inserted in a flange |84 extending from the Wall of the return conduit |05. The upper end of the conduit |0| is bent at a right angle and terminates in a tapered nozzle |05 also directed downstream.

Attached to the oor of the manifold |02 by means of bolts |9| is the bracket |92 having an upstanding post |93. To a projection |94 of the bracket |92 is pivoted as at |05 the lever |96 carrying the float |91. At the upper extremity of the post |93 a pivot 200 carries the link 20| bearing a nut 202. Adapted to slide vertically on a pin 203 outstanding from the lever |96 is the needle valve .plunger 204 having a slotted aperture 205 to engage the pin 203 and a circular aperture 206 at right angles thereto, the link 20| passing through the aperture 206 and a compression spring 201 together with its retaining washer 208 being interposed between the plunger 204 and a bifurcated guide 209 extending from the side of the post |93. The bracket |92 includes the bore 2|l interconnecting by means of the threaded adapter 2|2 with the discharge line 2|3 passing to a drain.

Operation While it will be understood that the device is primarily intended for room cooling and is shown and described with that object in view, it is not,

of course, limited to such applications and may, without alteration affecting the essence of the invention, be adapted to installations ,of other kinds, some of which will be referred to hereinatter.

In the illustrative embodiment shown, the air is drawn from the space beingconditioned through the filter |53`by means of the plurality oi' pumps 50, the air in its passage to the pumps being confined between the walls |08, |5|, 23, 24, 25 and 26 and is admitted to the interior of the pumps through the valves 12, these opening inwardly upon the suction stroke of the pump and being normally spring-closed. Rotation of the motor I0 reciprocates the rods 46 to iiex the dlaphragms 54 for pumping action, it being noted that due to the arrangement of the crank pins 45 the two left-hand pumps 50 are on suction while the two right-hand pumps are on discharge. In this manner a smooth, relatively non-pulsating ilow is eilected,` as is understood in the art. Upon the compression stroke the air is forced from the Ipumps outwardly through the valves 18, these being normally spring-closed and through the conduits 82 and 9|, or 04, 92 and 9|, through the aperture 91 and into the tubes 98 of the radiator 96 wherein the compressed air is permitted to cool. Such a drop in temperature precipitates moisture carried by the air.

After being circulated through the radiator 96 the cooled air passes through the chamber |03, aperture |04, main return linerl05, nozzle ||2 to the valves ||6. At the instant when the diaphragm 54 of the upper left-hand pump is beginning its compression stroke the cam |32 has rotated to a position wherein it has fully opened the valve IIB. Thus the air being returned from the radiator 96 is admitted to the lower face of the diaphragm 54, or upper face depending upon whether the lower pumps are referred to, to assist the same in its succeeding compression stroke. Thus during the compression stroke the air may expand and perform useful work in reducing the power required to drive the pumps. Upon the following reciprocation of the diaphragm 54, that is, on the suction stroke, the cam |33a has rotated to a position to open the valve Illia and the spent air is discharged through the valve ||6a and the conduit |43.

Inasmuch as the air has, by this time, undergone a drop in temperature in the radiator 96 and a further drop by reason of the work performed within the pump, it has been cooled to a substantial extent whereupon it is discharged through the silencing maze within the casing |45 and the opening |48 therein into the spa-ce being conditioned.

It will be understood that by reason of the symmetrical Iarrangement of the four pumps 50 and of the cams |32, |32a, |33 and |33a the action just described in connection with the two lefthand pumps occurs in the two ring-hand pumps,

but in alternate phase.

As hereinbefore mentioned, cooling of the air in the radiator 96 results in the precipitation of a substantial amount of moisture. This water is permitted to accumulate in the space |02 whereupon, as the iluid level rises, the oat |91 will be swung counterclockwise to urge the pin 203 to the top of the slot 205. Due to the over-center action of the spring 201 the valve 204 is snapped open and the water allowed to drain through the pipe 2I3. Upon consequent lowering of the water level the action is reversed, whereupon the over-center spring will snap the valve 204 to closed position.A

Cooling of the air in the radiator 96 is eected `by lthe fan blades I in an obvious manner. The

heat yielded by the air cooled within the radiator pressed therein through the pipes |16 and |8I and to deliver the same through the nozzles |.'|9 and |85 at a substantial velocity in a downstream direction. An injector eifect accordingly results and creates a vacuum behind the nozzles |19 and |85 to accelerate the flow of air through the conduits 9| and |05. Inasmuch as the air returning -in the conduit |05 has been cooled it is necessary that the compressed air used for the injector action therein likewise be cooled before being blended with the returning air. This step is eiiected in the radiator coil I0 By reason of cooling within the radiator 96 the air is, as mentioned, dehumidied to some extent and expansion occurring Within the pumps 50, as already described, will effect furtherdehumidication. Although not shown, it will be comprehended that any condensate accumulated within the pumps may be disposed of by suitable vents associated with a float and valve mechanism as described in'connection with the radiator, or by any other suitable type of trap.

It will be understood that for the air-cooled radiator 96 I may substitute an equivalent heat exchanger utilizing water. Thus the h`eat yielded by the air upon expansion may heat the water which, in turn. may be utilized for any purpose. A

wherein hot Water is desired. In this event the fan blades I5 would be dispensed with.

It is not intended to limit the invention to a unit including pumps employing flexible diaphragms since piston, gear type or vane pumps could be used with equal effect. Nor is the invention 'intended to be limited to puppet-type valves since these may be of the disc, flutter, or rotary types.

The unit may be so arranged that the auxiliary compressor IGI and the radiators 90 and |82 are exteriorly of the room to be cooled, for example, contained in a box supported outside of a window. Thus any cooling eiect inherent in the outside atmosphere may be utilized to facilitate the cooling action for those portions of the apparai/us.

In order to insure the circulation of a suiiicient volume of air within the unit to provide the necessary pressure on the under side or top side of the diaphragms. a suitable valve may be inserted in the conduit |43 to control the exit of spent air from the unit. Such valve may be provided with a pressure-operated device for automatic opening and closing thereof.

In Fig. `2 is shown in somewhat schematic form an alternate arrangement wherein the pumping unit shown collectively at 25| and the auxiliary compressor IBI are driven from the motor 252 through a differential gearing mechanism 253. Power is taken from the motor 252 through a suitable speed reducing unit 254, the output shaft 255 of which carries the bevel drive pinion 256.

The pinion 256 drives the bevel ring gear 251 to which is affixed the usual diierential case 258 carrying the pair of differential pinions 259 drivoutput shafts 262 8 ing the dinerential gearsl 20|. The latter are affixed to thev shafts 202 and 203 driving the pumping unit 25| and compressor III respectively.

By using the diierential gearing arrangement shown, the entire unit is enabled to adjust itself to varying conditions or operation. In the event an insuflicient volume of air does not reach the underside of the diaphragme 54 to assist them in their compression stroke as auxiliary compressor speed to supplement the volume of airowing through the supply and delivery conduits 9| and |05,- respectively. and thereby deliver the additional volume of air the diaphragms 54. At the same time the diilerential will drive the pumping unit 25| at a slower speed and these relative differences in speed between the compressor ISI and unit 25| will continue until the system is required to accommodate itself to a diierent set of conditions, the diiferential meanwhile adjusting the speeds of its relative loads.

It will be apparent that the unit may be employed for heating the air in a, space by arrangv ing the apparatus so that cold air may be drawn in from the outside atmosphere, compressed in the pumping units and circulated through the radiator. By means of the fan the cold air in the space is circulated past 'the radiator to extract heat from the air therein. By a suitable arrangement of ducts and dampers the unit may be arranged so that it may be easily converted from air cooling to air warming for summer or winte conditioning or vice versa, as desired.

While I have shown particular embodiments of my invention, it will be understood, of course, that I do not wish to be limited thereto since many modiiications'may be made, Vand I, therefore, contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claimand desire to secure by Letters Patent is: 1. A space air conditioning apparatus comprising in combination an air pump. air cooling means, means interconnecting said pump with said cooling means including a delivery conduit and a return conduit, said pump including a diaphragm for withdrawing air from the space, compressing the same and delivering the air to said cooling means, said withdrawal, compression and delivery being eiected on one face of said diaphragm, said return conduit being adapted to deliver the partially cooled air to the other face to impart energy to said dia'- phragm, and means for delivering the spent, thoroughly cooled air to the space.

2. A space air conditioning apparatus comprising in combination an air pump adapted to draw air from the space and to compress the same, means for cooling the compressed air and permitting its expansion while undergoing cooling, a delivery conduit for passage of air from said pump to said cooling means,'a return conduit for passage of the cooled air from said cooling means to said pump for performance of useful Work therein, means for delivering the spent air from said pump to the space, an auxiliary air compressor, means for delivering supplementary air from said compressor at substantial velocity to within said delivery and return conduits, the said last mentioned means being arranged to direct said supplementary air in a downstream direcalready described, the IBI will operate at higher v required to the underside oi and 263' as required by the tion within said conduits to accelerate the flow of air in saidconduits.

3. A space air conditioning apparatus compris-t` ing in combination an air pump adapted to draw air from the space and to compress the same, means for cooling the compressed air including a chamber to permit expansion ofthe air while undergoing cooling, a delivery conduit for passage of air from said pump to said cooling means. a return conduit for passage of the cooled air from said cooling means to said pump for perfomance of useful work therein, means for delivering the spent air from said pump to the space, and means for adding air to the volume of air extracted from the space.

4. A space air conditioning apparatus comprising in combination an air pump adapted to draw air from the space and to compress the same, means for cooling the compressed air including a chamber to permit expansion of the air while undergoing cooling, a delivery conduit for passage of air from said pump to said cooling means, a return conduit for passage of the cooled air from said cooling means to said pump for perfomance of useful work and further cooling therein. means for delivering the spent air from said pump to the space, and an auxiliary air compressor for adding air to the volume of air extracted from the space.

5. A space aix,` conditioning apparatus comprising in combination an air pump adapted to draw air from the space and to compress the same, means for cooling the compressed air including a chamber to permit expansion ofthe air while undergoing cooling, a delivery conduit for passage of air from said pump to said cooling y means, a return conduit for passage oi the cooled air from said cooling means to said pump for performance of useful work and further cooling therein, means for delivering the spent air from said pump to the space, an auxiliary air compressor. means for injecting air from said compressor to said conduits to accelerate flow therein.

6. A space air conditioning apparatus comprising in combination driving means, a pump operated by said driving means and adapted to withdraw air from the space and to compress the same, a heat exchanger including a chamber to for returning the cooled air from said chamber 55 Number to said pump, said pump having air displacing to utilize the expansive' force of the expanded cooled air in aiding said compression stroke.

7. A space air conditioning apparatus-comprising in combination a heat exchanger having an inlet and an outlet. a pump including a diaphragm, intake valve means` and discharge valve means both adjacent one face of said diaphragm, recycling valve means adjacent the other face of said diaphragm, a pumping chamber on either face of said diaphragm, each said valve means including a port, the intake port being in uid communication with the space to be conditioned, the discharge port being in fluid communication with the inlet of said heat exchanger, and the recycling port being in fluid communication with the outlet of said heat exchanger, means for cooling vthe contents of said heat exchanger, and means for delivering recycled air from the chamber associated with the recycling port to the space to be conditioned.

8. A space air conditioning apparatus comprising in combination a heat exchanger having an lmet and an outlet, a pump including an air displacing element having two working faces, a chamber associated with each said face, an intake valve and a discharge valve, each said valve including a port associated with one said chamber, a recycling valve including a port associated with the other said chamber, means forming a passage from the space to be conditioned to the intake port, means forming a second passage from the discharge port to the inlet of said exchanger, and means forming a lthird passage from the recycling port to the outlet of said exchanger. means for delivering recycled air from the chamber associated with the recycling port to the space to be conditioned, an auxiliary air compressor including a pair of discharge ports and means interconnecting said second and third passages with said last mentioned discharge ports respectively whereby compressed air from said compressor supplements the volume of air flowing through said second and third passages and accelerates the velocity thereof.

HENRY CURREY DEARBORN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

' UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Belluzzo May 27, 1924 motor column 6,

comme of com Patent No.l 2,446,411. August 3.1948. y

HENRY CURREY DEARBORN It is hereby certified that errors appear in the 1printed specification of the above numbered patent re uiring correction as follows: Co umn 5, line 5, strike out the word (ine 62, for ring-hand read right-hand; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Oce.

Signed and sealed this 2nd day of November, A. D. 1948.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Uommisaoner of Patents. 

